Puzzling changes to vaccine eligibility
Age Scotland has responded to changes in Covid vaccine eligibility this year, as we're concerned about the number of people who might experience Covid symptoms this winter if they are no longer eligible for a booster.
The free flu vaccine will be offered to those aged 65 and over this winter, in line with last year's arrangements. However, Covid boosters will only be given to people aged 75 and over, as well as those who are immunosuppressed.
For the past two years, all people 65 and over have been invited for a Covid booster jab to protect them during the winter months. In 2022, the jab was offered to all over 50s.
But the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), experts who advise the UK government, say only those aged 75 and over should get the option on the NHS this year.
Responding to the news, Age Scotland's Chief Executive, Katherine Crawford, said:
“It’s really important that older people take a Covid booster and flu jab when it is offered – particularly if they have underlying health conditions which could be exacerbated if they were to contract flu or Covid.
“Last winter there was considerable pressure on our hospitals as a result of spikes in flu and covid, and the vast majority of those who sadly died hadn’t been vaccinated.
“However, this year it appears there is a move towards vaccinating the bare minimum as the Scottish Government has raised the qualifying age for receiving a Covid booster.
“We understand the new criteria are based on UK-wide recommendations, but it feels counterintuitive to vaccinate fewer people this winter - particularly missing unpaid carers who carry such a huge burden of care.
“It is also puzzling why people aged 65-74 could not receive a Covid booster at the same time as their flu jab.
“We are concerned that confusion over eligibility could cause some older people to change how they go about their daily lives through the winter, ultimately leading to more loneliness and isolation. We are also worried about the impact this will have on unpaid carers, many of whom will now fall outside the new eligibility criteria for a free vaccine.
“Protecting more vulnerable people against covid could help ease winter pressures on the health service, and as we head into the colder months we feel more could be done.”
Find out more about the winter vaccination programme here and access further support about health and wellbeing in later life through our free information guides.
